As a busy mother of four living on an isolated ranch, I struggle constantly with the fact that unless Marlboro Man or I cart our punks into town to participate in this activity or that, they’ll have very little interaction with the outside world. Homeschooled country kids, by definition, must be manually inserted into society or they’ll grow up to be weird, maladjusted, and twitchy. Not really on most of those things (I think), but my point is, our kids do participate in some non-ranching activities in the area. Soccer, for one…unfortunately. And I would like to heartily apologize in advance to all who will be offended by what I’m about to say.

I do not like soccer. First, I don’t understand it, and I like to be closeminded and say I don’t like things that I don’t understand. Second, soccer violently invades and takes over our lives. Three of our four punks are on a soccer team this spring, which means a total of six practices weekly, which means either Marlboro Man or I have to drive to town several times a week and twiddle our thumbs until practice is over, which means Marlboro Man winds up doing it because he’s a prince and actually enjoys watching the kids practice and improve, so what am I complaining about, anyway? But then there’s Saturday: Game Day. We have three games to attend—most of them in a larger town over an hour from our house—and they’re usually spaced like so: Game One, 9:00 am. Game Two, 1:30 pm. Game Three, 4:30 pm. What I’m trying to say is, during soccer season, Saturday—as a day for catching up, making progress, and being productive—is totally blown. The whole thing makes my left eyelid twitch. And sometimes, my right one, too. Soccer? What does it have to do with country life? Hmmph.

And so as each soccer season approaches, I hope against hope that at least one of the kids will have tired of the grind and say, “Know what, Mommy? I think I’ll pass on soccer this season. It just doesn’t fit in with my life.” And then I’d throw my arms around their neck and kiss them and exclaim that I just knew there was a reason they were always my favorite! And then we’d stay home together on Saturdays from then on, while Marlboro Man took the other punks to town and played along with the “Soccer Establishment”, as I call it. It’s an evil institution. You know that, right? And it must be destroyed.

So far, my dream hasn’t materialized. My kids are more enthusiastic than ever about their soccer careers, so for 3 1/2 months every fall and spring, I must fight back my disdain for the sport and all it represents and feign excitement over the color of their new uniform and the fact that “Yay, Mommy! Our practices are two hours now instead of one!” Yippee. Woo hoo. Happy. Joy. *Sob.*

There’s a flip side to all of this. Last fall, a college in a larger town in our area—a college known for its superior music program—started a citywide children’s choir. My best friend, Hyacinth—also a homeschooling freak of nature—and I dragged our girls to the auditions, positively apoplectic that they’d been presented with the opportunity for such culture. All three girls made it in, and since last September I’ve willingly and happily driven them to weekly rehearsals and frequent performances—all the while wondering why in tarnation this was any different than carting them in to their soccer practices or games. I still haven’t figured it out. It’s some bizarre brand of selective selfishness, I suppose: as long as I’m interested in the subject matter, as long as I believe the activity is contributing to their intellectual or academic or cultural progress, I don’t mind driving hours and hours to get them there. But if it means schlepping them in for a two hour spell of galavanting around a grassy field with a black and white ball? Suddenly it’s an evil institution.

And besides, I might actually have to get out of the car. And sweat.

What I’m saying is, I have issues I need to work out.

In the meantime, though, while I spend the day choosing the winner of yesterday’s contest and finishing the next chapter of Black Heels to Tractor Wheels, please enjoy some sights from last night’s final choir concert of the year.

Ahhh, the sweet sound of children singing classical arrangements.

And the sweet sight of little red cummerbunds…

On tiny little waists.

And the beautiful hairdos those other mothers created.

Lawsie mercy–look at the do in the front row. If I’m going to be expected to do things like this, I might have to reconsider the whole choir thing.

The choir director is a real gem; she really put the love of music in these kids. And her contract renewal, I’ve just learned, is in question. So today? I’m painting picket signs and coming up with catchy chants: (“No Choir? No Peace! No Choir? No Peace!” and “Renew the choir director’s dadgum contract! Renew the choir director’s dadgum contract! Renew…” has a certain rhythm to it, I think.) So WHO’S WITH ME?

And there’s that hair again…taunting me, torturing me…making me feel useless and lame. I HATE it when hair does that to me!

Anyway, aside from the children’s choir, we also heard beautiful arrangements from the college choir itself, which made me faint in my seat. There’s just something about seeing a group of kinds so dedicated and disciplined about something…and working together to create something larger than themselves.

Amen.

A few times, an ensemble group walked forward and sang some favorite punk rock tunes, such as “I Only Have Eyes for You” and “Let Me Call You Sweetheart,” which made me faint in my seat again. And then…And then…

Get ready for cuteness to rain on your head.

One of the boys—a tall, dark, handsome bass—picked this teeny little blonde sweetie punk out of the crowd and led her forward…

And then…

He began serenading her with a sweet rendition of “When I Fall in Love.”

There wasn’t a frown—or a dry eye—in the house.

And if you think she won’t remember this when she’s 84, you’re crazy.

When she returned to her peers in the choir seats, she was a minor celebrity. There’s Pioneer Girl giving her a high-five.

Homegirl’s hands didn’t leave her face for fifteen minutes.

Forgive the blur. I couldn’t see through my happy tears.

Hyacinth and I spent the rest of the evening admiring this young man’s charm and charisma.

And we both decided that one day, he’s going to make some nice girl very, very happy.

We were just in slight disagreement over which one of us it would be.

Anyway, if you have it available, I’d highly recommend checking out your local children’s choir…

…If for no other reason than you get to dress your little punk like this.

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561 Comments

I hear ya on the soccer thing, it has taken over our life too! I think I am more on Marlboro Man’s side though since I play alot of sports myself. But just think about it this way, especially for your girls. There are 12 soccer scholarships at every university that has a soccer team. Here in Utah that is 120 scholarships so if you are a great soccer player when college comes you might just get to go to school for free!

I love Choir! I was in a chilren’s chorus growing up and it was wonderful!! I’m not so much into the soccer thing either. Thanks for sharing the great photos. I am also a singer and started in my local communty theater. I was able to sing for a living at Busch Gardens Tampa FL. Loved it!!

All I can say, is if I were you, I would be knitting/crocheting/tatting/drop spindling. Seriously. I have trouble finding the time to do that now, but hours where you were captive? Perfect crafting time.

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rsmDianne On Wednesday, April 23 at 12:19 pm

I have three kids at home now (the oldest dd is away at school). The youngest dd, 9, has played soccer since she was 4 and now plays fall and spring. My oldest son, 15, is into drama (thankfully his high school has an incredible drama dept so we don’t need to find a way to indulge that passion) and sings in his high school choir (which btw, was chosen to sing in Carnegie Hall next January-we are in Southern California, I get teary just thinking about my boy singing in Carnegie Hall for Pete’s sake and it’s still 9 months away!) The middle son, 12, well, he does both. He sings in the advanced middle school choir (singing in a statewide competition this weekend 400 miles away – no, I’m going to miss this one) and he plays lacrosse and Pop Warner tackle football. I love it all…but we are very close location-wise to most of their activities. I couldn’t imagine living hours away…that’s why I love looking at your photos, but it’s the suburbs for me. The girl punks looked darling in their red flowery bow-ties and cummerbunds.

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Heather W. On Wednesday, April 23 at 12:19 pm

Ah yes the hair inadequacy syndrome. I have that! It makes you drive to people’s house early in the morning so the “whole” team will have the same hair do. Then you wonder “Where was I when they were teaching us to do our daughter’s hair?” LOL
Soccer is not our bain, it’s softball! Then we have dance classses, I like those!

My boys finally gave up soccer. Yey! But then the oldest took up track and the meets are five hours long! Boo! The youngest decided to play drums instead. What was I thinking?

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Julie in WA On Wednesday, April 23 at 12:19 pm

1st Let me say, your eldest daughter is absolutely BEAUTIFUL! Whenever you post pictures of her, I am mesmerized! My favorite pic is of her and MM looking at each other out in the cattle yard…do you know which one I mean?

2nd APOPLECTIC? Where on earth did you come up with that word? I had to look it up…of, relating to, or causing stroke? O.k. I get it. You were so positively excited that you could have had a stroke. Yep, I am going to have to work THAT word into my daily vocabulary.

3rd “Homeschooled kids…manually inserted into society…grow up weird, maladjusted, twitchy.” Hmmm. I thought that is exactly why we homeschool…so that our kids do NOT turn out weird, maladjusted, twitchy. After all, REE, one look at yesterdays picture post, and we all behold the product of a mass-educated maladjusted and twitchy weirdo. Or am I wrong? Ree? Ree….

I’ve got goose bumps. And you are right about the little girl remembering that. When I was little my family went to see some show when we were on vacation and I was that little girl…… That is the only thing I remember from that trip.

Jessie On Wednesday, April 23 at 12:21 pm

Our boys can do 1 sport and 1 instrument each per season. The twins are doing soccer; their older brother is doing baseball. My husband is in charge of ALL athletics, down to the purchase of the socks and shirts.

I work out the details for the drum, bass, and guitar, google rock lyrics as necessary and sing into my hairbrush when the boys need some inspiration.

I have, quite purposely, avoided signing my kids up for soccer every year.
I blame it on the cost.
Truth is..I don’t like soccer either. And the parents, well, some of them are just freaks about it. And I would just rather not deal with them either.
So I don’t blame you a bit for not wanting to deal with soccer!
Oh, and thanks for the suggestion about the choir. My daughter loves to sing, and I’d love it if she could do it somewhere other than in my living room…with the karaoke machine turned up as high as it’ll go.
*thank goodness she can sing well!*

Yay for choir! My husband is a middle school choir director, so I’m sure that our kids will grow up singing in choirs. Looking forward to that. But…he also played soccer. So I’m afraid Saturday soccer games are in my future, as well. Unless they grow up to be athletically challenged like me. One can only hope.

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Marilee On Wednesday, April 23 at 12:26 pm

Yes, I agree with choir for your children. Our oldest daughter has been in HS choirs, community choirs and also a HS quartet. she is now doing summer live theater and I LOVE watching her perform and sing. I swear I could cry with every single performance no matter how many times I have seen it.

Soccer? Been there done that with my 5 kids too. Just keep on keeping on!

10 years and counting on the soccer Mom thing here. I find practice time to be a wonderful time to catch up on my reading, knitting, sleeping, exercise or grocery shopping. Priority of said tasks dependent upon weather, waist line and what was left in the cupboard.

My 5.5 yo punk son played soccer last fall, and while I enjoyed watched him play, the standing around in the cold and having to be at the soccer fields at 9am (45 minutes away) on a Saturday morning did not endear me to the sport. Thankfully, he declined to play this spring. Which makes us freaks in our area. Soccer is LIFE here.

I was in choir all thru high school and LOVED it. In fact, been thinking about trying to find an adult choir to join now… Anyway, might have to try to find one for my son…he’s always singing and probably would really enjoy it. As would I.

Great post, as usual Ree. Glad to hear you drag your punks around to “city” stuff. As if we didn’t already know it, they’re going to be well-adjusted, balanced people.

Oh, and btw, I turned my dad on to your site and he ‘fessed up last night that he’d gone back and read every.single.post and laughed and cried, and, I suspect, developed a bit of a crush on you.

Ree, I feel your pain about the 3 kids on 3 different teams thing. Not only were my kids’ practices and games at different times, they were at different schools around the valley, and I was a SINGLE parent. At least it was baseball/softball and not soccer! And thank goodness they all outgrew that phase and all decided they liked singing and playing instruments better. At least the music teacher will let you have their lessons one right after the other!

One other thing, though, Ree. . . please, do not feel like your children NEED socialization because they are homeschooled. Really, you do not need your children “socialized” by their peers. I’m sure they get all the socialization they need from their great mom and dad, their aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents, the cowboys and various other folks who visit your ranch. Really, trust me on this. Don’t let anyone tell you different.

(Spoken as a mom of four perfectly well adjusted, socialable young adults that were all homeschooled through highschool and who only let them be involved in ONE outside activity at a time.)

Memories…………..of about three years ago and my soon to be hubby’s kids and their soccer games. God how I hated soccer too, but loved my fiance and pretended interest in the games. when in all reality all I was interested in was watching my man’s tushie in his shorts coaching the kids.

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Laura S On Wednesday, April 23 at 12:36 pm

First, your girls are adorable in the choir. There is nothing like the harmony of voices singing together. Ahhh.

Second, the soccer thing cracks me up. I grew up in the country and we had one ‘city’ cousin who would spend two weeks every summer with us. He always complained, on and on, about the soccer kids and soccer moms and it made him so sick, yadda yadda yadda. So, when his kids were signed up for soccer several years later, I just had to remind him of his years of ‘persecuting’ those poor soccer kids.

Natasha (#99) – I’m having to control my laughter at your hunch.

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Kristin in SC On Wednesday, April 23 at 12:37 pm

I could have written this post: I live in the country, homeschool three kids, and hate soccer—only difference is you’re so doggone clever! I only found “you” last week and I’m addicted. I’m quite certain that if I had been following you all along, I would have developed a bleeding ulcer by now from anticipating your next post. Much like the one I’m developing right now while waiting for the next black heels installment….

226

Lisa On Wednesday, April 23 at 12:39 pm

Whoo-eee, that boy is cute! That poor little girl is going to be in the throes of a crush for a loooong time coming.

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Kathy On Wednesday, April 23 at 12:39 pm

I also have that dirty little secret. I was so glad that our poor boys took after me , were terrible to mediocre athletes and only played a few seasons. This is to the sorrow of their father who is a gifted athlete (high school ALL-American in TWO sports). Hey, he shouldn’t have married me if he wanted athletic children. Along came our daughter, I was confident she would be a girly-girl like her mama and not care if all balls are delegated to the depths of hell. Of course, she took after Daddy! She not only loves soccer, but she is GOOD! That means besides the normal recreation league as she got older she played select soccer that is expensive and the teams travel. She usually plays all year long now that she is in high school. Unfortunately, she tore her AC ligament (knee) playing indoor soccer this fall. ( On a side note it was the day before her brother’s wedding in which she had to hobble up the aisle as bridesmaid.) She will still be able to play as soon as her rehab is over this summer. The surgeon has decreed no more indoor soccer! Bad mother that I am, I am secretly pleased that next winter there will be no late night practices and 7AM Saturday or Sunday games. I try to feel bad about it but I can’t. (Sigh) All the games I have attended and my husband complains that I ask every game for him to explain what is “offsides” and how do you when someone is doing it?

after those pics of the handsome singer, I almost forgot my initial comment!

But really, I’ve avoided sports for the same reason! And I don’t even live in the country. I just hate them so much. Luckily, the gremlins haven’t shown much interest. But I’ve encouraged them to do the children’s drama in our town since they are such little characters.

No luck with that yet. I’m selfish too, I guess. Oh well. It’s a mother’s prerogative.

For all that waiting around at soccer practice, etc., three words: learn to knit. Seriously. We knitters never get impatient, never tap our foot, never complain about having to wait. It is all just another opportunity to indulge in our favorite hobby. Check out your local yarn store (LYS to the in crowd); I’m sure someone there would be happy to give you the kool-aid, er, teach you.

You hate soccer because your kids could just as easily chase a ball around the fields around your own house! LOL I played soccer ~ I HATED soccer. It was one of those things my mom made me do to “expand my horizons”. Soccer horizons suck.

I was a vocal/opera major in college I did T O N S of those cumberbund performances growing up & loved every second of them. I can’t wait for my little girl to do them too! But WHY did none of the guys in my college choir look like Mr. Sir?! Oh my stars … that face & that song ~ I would still be on that floor in a dead faint.

(We played that song at our wedding, it’s always been one of my faves!)

My daughter has beautiful hair, but I can’t do a thing with it…I had my mom do my hair until I was in highschool, then I always wore it in a ponytail.
I’ve been to so many choir concerts where they pull up people from the audience like that. I always feel so embarassed for them!
Now I want my kids to be in a choir too, just so they can be like your kids.

235

Valry On Wednesday, April 23 at 12:46 pm

I’m glad your punks are equal opportunity participators! Participating in both sports and music makes for well-balanced neuroses.

Orchestra, choir and softball.

Almost related subject: Does anyone remember qiana? Quiana? How do you spell it? It was the scourge of the 70s, early 80s. And every single orchestra or choir dress I had from junior high through graduation was made out of the stuff. Apparently it was chosen for its superior wrinkle-resistance. Which was smart, since the dress would be peeled off after the concert and land in a heap on the floor, where it would remain til the next concert.

236

Flora On Wednesday, April 23 at 12:48 pm

As someone who grew up in Brazil, with soccer in my blood, I don’t blame you for not liking youth soccer the way it’s done here in the US. Believe it or not, soccer doesn’t have to be all about screaming parents, juice boxes, shin guards, crazy scheduling, or those pesky end-of-season gifts for the coaches. Kids in Brazil play soccer on whatever vacant lot or dead-end street they can find, and if they don’t have a regulation ball they will scrounge one up out of wadded-up socks or nylons. I’m serious. And they get GOOD at it too. If your punks were in Brazil they’d probably be kicking a ball around in the side yard, not needing to be driven hours and hours and hours to play. Or at least you can always threaten them with that if they don’t seem to appreciate all you do ;D

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Katie On Wednesday, April 23 at 12:48 pm

I just became a t-ball mom and I hate going to practice. It’s cold and miserable and long. Ugh.

All I can say is, be GLAD that you’re interested in soccer as opposed to some cold, early morning, stinky sport. . . .like hockey. 4 a.m. practices at a freezing ice rink with a bunch of stinky (and really, there is no way to over exaggerate this point) kids is the absolute worst thing imagineable.

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Lisaiz On Wednesday, April 23 at 12:48 pm

~sniff~ What a sap I am; I get all verklempt over your precious punks!

We tried the soccer thing with all of our kids and, thanks be to all, none of them took to it. Jessica told me she liked it except for all the running around. Hmmmm. Next she tried Celtic Dance and loved it but I had to do that hair thing, a thousand tidy ringlets cascading neatly behind a headband. The pink foam of the rollers began to give me a rash. She had to go to school looking like some fifties mom from the wrong side of the tracks, head covered in curlers with a scarf to cover it. Thankfully, we only endured a year or so of that and went to, ta da, choir. Hallelujah (chorus)!

241

Debi in MO On Wednesday, April 23 at 12:50 pm

I couldn’t agree more!
For some reason I have no problem sitting through 16 hours a week of daughter’s gymnastics practice and weekend long far-away meets. And gymnastics is a year long sport w/ no break. But my poor son’s 1 hour a week soccer practice and 1 hour game that is only a 10 minute drive is like torture to me. I pray every Saturday for rain so it gets cancelled. Which so far this season has been delivered and now I am feeling the guilt over all the flooding in the area. And as my punishment, every practice we get a new schedule with added make-up games. This season may never end!

I loved the pictures of the serenade. My face would have been bright red! Your daughters look like they are enjoying the choir. That’s awesome!

My 7 year old daughter is playing “micro-soccer” this year for the first time. I’m loving it because she is so fun to watch. She giggles and smiles practically the whole time. With micro-soccer it only takes about an hour out of our whole week and it’s only on Mondays. I’d probably be like you if we were spending several hours per week at the soccer field.

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Tiff On Wednesday, April 23 at 12:53 pm

I bet the highly attractive tall dark and and hansome fella is a soccer player also! LOL

As a full fledged memeber of the Evil Establishment known as soccer, I’m darn proud to be evil!

I loved soccer…much preferred it to boring Little League baseball which seems like a hurry up and wait game to me. All 3 of my sons played soccer through high school and I even coached when they were younger. I can understand giving up the Saturday thing…did it for years and really don’t miss that aspect of my kids playing sports. Gotta grandson that’ll be doing it before long so my vacation is about over. To each is own I guess — the world would be boring if we all liked the exact same things.

As for the choir — wow! You are so lucky to have something like that in your area. Kids need to have a variety of influences in their lives and the occasional dose of actual culture is always a good addition to the mix. I think there is a reason God gave me sons…I wouldn’t have a clue what to do with a daughter’s hair for an event like that!

246

Natalie in TX On Wednesday, April 23 at 12:56 pm

Your blog is just one hunka man-candy after another!! (wait, were there photos of your punks in there, too?!!)

247

Jan On Wednesday, April 23 at 12:56 pm

Umm can I get his number? there is just something about a guy who can sing & who’s really sweet to little kids that makes me melt.

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lizinsumner On Wednesday, April 23 at 12:57 pm

Okay, so I would think the reason for the “prejudice” is, like, so TOTALLY obvious……in one, you’re outside – in the weather – with no place to sit (usually!) and no protection from wind and rain and low temperatures….in the other, you’re inside – in a nice, warm place with a nice, cushy, comfortable seat and low lighting (which would enable you to successfully sneak in a full grande size latte with you, even!!). Not to mention, beautiful music as opposed to boring sports??!! This is a total no-brainer. I don’t think you have any issues – I think you’re just like me, entirely NORMAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And, just for the record?? A grande latte at the soccer game helps some, but never lasts through the whole darn game.

We don’t do soccer. My husband and I are both leads in our church choir, and we put priority on Sunday morning being dedicated for church and choir. And frankly, practice schedules are difficult enough for two working parents with busy kids and I find Sunday games, especially morning games, just totally distasteful.

I am SO with you on this. And it’s not that we don’t like sports, we’re big jocks here. My husband is a dedicated golfer, I’m a cyclist and runner, and my daughter and I are both second degree black belts in taekwondo. But soccer, no dice.

I loved this post! I was homeschooled too, and one of my very first “in town” activities was children’s choir. My mom has the exact same pictures…just from the 80s, and without the cool hair. Once I joined, I never stopped singing, and now I make my living as a singer. So consider yourself warned…

Funny, but as a former college soccer player, I hope my boys do not want to play. I have been there, done that, heard the insane parents yelling at 6 year olds for missing a goal.

The girl punks look so cute!
The Park Wife

252

Allie On Wednesday, April 23 at 1:02 pm

That guy? Totally smoking hot!

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Pensguys On Wednesday, April 23 at 1:06 pm

You know, I’ve decided it the kiddos are absolutely in love with it (and “it” is baseball for us), then I’m willing to do what I have to do for them….Fall and Spring….near and far.

254

Heather Crawley On Wednesday, April 23 at 1:06 pm

As a daily reader, I look forward to your posts. And, then today…that kid looks familiar..that looks like Katy. The pianist…that looks like, Oh my gosh…that is Kathy Beard, a member of our church. I didn’t realize your were in NE Oklahoma…a neighbor! I’m so excited. We live in B’ville…the evil soccer mecca I’m guessing!

255

heidi On Wednesday, April 23 at 1:10 pm

there were 4 kids in my family, we grew up in upstate ny, way outside of town in dairyland…i played soccer and figure skated and cheerleaded, my youngest sister played field hockey, my brother played hockey, my older sister was an equestrian….all of our sporting events were logistical nightmares for my parents…maybe that’s why my mother became an alcoholic? lol

256

Debbie On Wednesday, April 23 at 1:11 pm

Who needs soccer with all the exercise your punks get ranching anywho? I’d rather watch the little punks sing their little hearts out. Thanks for sharing. Love your blog.

257

Gee On Wednesday, April 23 at 1:12 pm

I am fainting over this Ree!!!! They are all precious, but most especially the two that I love and adore more than life itself!! THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!

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Sue in WA On Wednesday, April 23 at 1:12 pm

How sweet! Let Me Call You Sweetheart was the first song my now husband sang to me. We had When I Fall In Love sang at our wedding! Yep, she’ll remember it a long time!

I dread soccer too, but we only have it 2 practices a week and a Saturday game late Aug. to early Nov. Couldn’t stand a soccer season any longer than that!

Love that your punks get to do the things they get to do. Like you dying at soccer, I think I would die at choir stuff. BUT….like you I would go and probably cry from pure happiness that my children were happy and loving what they are doing. Great post!

I think it’s just the artsy-fartsy side of you coming out. I own and operate a dance studio, so I can totally relate. I used to be in the women’s choir in high school. I loved it! Those outfits are just like the one I used to wear except that our skirts were long. I looked just like Mary Poppins. As for the girl with the fancy hair, you can actually buy hair peices that look like hair that go around the bun. My dance teacher calls it “jose hair” (I think that’s how you spell it). You’ll look like a pro at doing hair!

The awesomeness of the hottie serenading the cutie makes up for the anti-soccer sentiment.

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Kristine On Wednesday, April 23 at 1:21 pm

Seriously, I could talk soccer all day long but what I’m more interested in is that fine, fine, FINE young man who serenaded that lucky, sweet young girl. Sheesh – they don’t make them that handsome down here in the south. Could you zoom in a little closer next time for all the single girls? You sure are right about one thing, the woman that lands that (no pun intended) is one lucky lady! HAaaaaaa

266

MaryB in Richmond On Wednesday, April 23 at 1:22 pm

Living in Suburbia and not loving soccer REALLY makes you stick out like a sore thumb! (“Hi, I’m a sore thumb. Nice to meet you.”) But as someone alluded above, it beats all heck out of SWIM TEAM!!! 6:00 practices nine months a year??!?! My punks (now over six feet of punk each) never did swim team; they simply didn’t dare ask me.

All those choir kids (both of my six footers are also still choir kids) are adorable — yours are of course the cutest. (By “yours” I mean both “those you brought home from the hospital” and “those stolen from you in the hospital.”)

I hope your boy punks will get to be in the choir when they’re bigger! My boy punks have loved it — and they say that it’s serious chick-magnet territory, too….

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Becky On Wednesday, April 23 at 1:22 pm

I let my kids do what they wanted and not do what they didn’t want to do. That meant they passed on sports actually, but they did many other things instead. If you let it be their choice and not yours, they’ll be happy. You are doing a great job.

Maybe you could wear the cumberbund as headband. Or wear each one around your arms like an old fashioned bartender.

I think I’d rather be with MM and watching soccer practice.

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MaryB in Richmond On Wednesday, April 23 at 1:26 pm

Oh, and PS: KNITTING is the answer! If you learn to knit you’ll be volunteering to take the kids to practice!! “NO, no, handsome MM; I shall be happy to suffer through the practice. You just stay home and rest while cutting the ‘nads off a couple hundred cows. I’ll be fine. I’ll be suffering, you know, but …. fine.”

I’m a long time reader/fan this would be my first comment… You are too funny. Love it. I remember wearing a cumberbun very similiar to the one your little punk-et is wearing. Amazing how they never change over all these years…..

275

Deb On Wednesday, April 23 at 1:30 pm

Wow, my 9 year old daughter I’m sure, would have preferred having you around last Sunday when she announced to me, “mom, I want to quit soccer, it just doesn’t fit in with my life!”
I threw a temper tantrum.

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pam On Wednesday, April 23 at 1:32 pm

I also have four kids. All of them play soccer in the fall and spring. I live very far from practice and games. I have said goodbye to my Saturdays long ago. Take some comfort in the fact that others are suffering along with you.

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janet o. On Wednesday, April 23 at 1:32 pm

Oh COOL!!!! I actually play piano for one of those children’s choir organizations (and we also have the cummerbunds but not the cool little necktie things) and I agree – they are great. So glad your girls are in this!!

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Janet On Wednesday, April 23 at 1:32 pm

Oh, man, choir practice was always the best fun in the world. Even now that I’m probably at least 40 (how did that happen?) years older than your sweet punk, church choir practice is still a highlight of the week. You rock, sweet P!

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Susan On Wednesday, April 23 at 1:36 pm

I feel your pain..we’ve done them all. Soccer, baseball, basketball, swimming and track. But the final blow was Golf….OMG..it’s close to watching grass grow..and you know how fun that would be. At least you get a little excercise..but no talking allowed. Ugh…snore!

Loved your punks in choir gear. I’m sure Mr TD&H will be remembered by all the girlies for all time!

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NonnieM On Wednesday, April 23 at 1:38 pm

How do you get decent pictures in an auditorium like that? What lens and what settings did you use? All of my kids’ concert pictures are in my mind only. The ones I’ve tried taking with a camera have never turned out.

I assume we will be seeing some soccer pictures in the near future?

(I’m amazed you have time to sleep.)

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Kendra On Wednesday, April 23 at 1:41 pm

Okay, if I don’t ask this question it will bother me the rest of the day and then keep me up all night long. What is up with the girl with the elaborate hair in the sixth picture? It appears as if she has an extra hand or something…

I totally agree about soccer. Thank goodness my 2 gals played tennis. But our nieces and nephews played soccer, nearly year round, and every holiday, family get-together, birthday party, etc., had to be scheduled around their soccer practices, games, tournaments, etc. It sucked. No way I would let soccer ruin my family life. That’s no way to live.

My mind wants to belong to the debul. It tried to see something wrong with a grown man singing love songs to a little girl, but I forced it in the right direction.
You tell such sweet stories!
I love football, but that doesn’t make me jump with excitement when I have to spend yet another hour or two at practice with the one child I have. After reading about your joys with 3 kids, I’m still not inspired. mhumph!

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JamesMommy On Wednesday, April 23 at 1:43 pm

I hate to admit it, but I’m a little bit jealous of that girl. I love me some serenading by a tall, dark and handsome. My true love is blonde, blue-eyed and can’t sing a note (nor can I). Sigh…she will definitely remember this even when she is senile and in a nursing home.

I LOVE this post! My two girls are involved in the Phoenix Girls Chorus and we LOVE it. Amazing. They have grown so much–musically and confidence–while in it. Next year, my oldest graduates. sniff sniff. I am also their photographer and LOVE it. I have such a blast snapping away during the concerts (flash-free, of course) and backstage. The girls all know me–the crazy one. At one of the opening concerts, I forgot to wear my traditional black-blend-in-don’t-draw-attention-to-yourself-while-you- creep-around-the-venue-trying-to-get-the-perfect-shot. Yeah, my outfit of choice?? BRIGHT ORANGE FLOWY SKIRT WITH A WHITER-THAN-WHITE SHIRT!!! No blendies for me! At least I didn’t realize my faux paux until everything was over–I would have been waaaay too self-conscious if I had seen myself.

Nice pics, nice posts. I love BHTW, but that isn’t the only reason I come here every day…and no, it’s not the contests. I feel like I am keeping up with a friend…even though we have never met! I keep telling myself, yes this is healthy! heee heee.

I am going through our final Classics concert’s (upper two levels of choirs) photos. I may post a couple on my Flickr page.

Thanks for the great post! If anyone lives in the metro Phx area, check out Phoenix Girls Chorus…they are AWESOME! Go to my site to ask any questions about it you want.

Closing my novel now….geesh!

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Karin On Wednesday, April 23 at 1:45 pm

Geez, I didn’t realize how much work it all was! You guys have inspired me to call my Mom and thank her for carting me around for all those years! I think I’ll do that right now….

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Lynn On Wednesday, April 23 at 1:45 pm

I’m a new soccer mom; the whole thing is silly. And, yet, I get completely caught up in it and start feeling all competitive. My punk daughter is four; it’s shameful.

Also, the hair thing: my daughter is the little girl with a ratty ponytail. I’m equally awed and jealous of the little girls in my daughter’s preschool class with braids, curled hair, or barrettes even. I have the ragamuffin with messy hair bundled into a ponytail (and my husband has to put the ponytail in because I’m totally incompetent at things like that). Yeah.

Oh, oh, oh…I think the little girl with the cute hair may just have one of those curly-fake-hair clips in. My oldest used to wear one a lot…until she was running around a Macaroni Grill’s parking lot and it fell out of her hair without anyone knowing it. I wonder what kind of response that got by the finder. Would have been great to see! Anyhoo, those clips are great!

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Jaime O. On Wednesday, April 23 at 1:47 pm

I have many wicked funny comments in my head, but as they make fun of some of the children the Pioneer Girls sing with, and as said Pioneer Girls should learn to be nicer than me, I shall refrain. However, YOUR girls are adorable and look like normal children. And that choir boy is melty hot. Ta-Da

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Kendra On Wednesday, April 23 at 1:47 pm

Okay, upon further examination, I think I have the extra hand situation figured out. I was mistaking elaborate hair girl’s arm for the girl behind her. Those white shirts can be tricky! I could never see anything in those Magic Eye posters, so I guess I am just visually impaired.

For the record, choir is awesome.

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paperdiva On Wednesday, April 23 at 1:48 pm

Not only am I a soccer mom, I’m one of ‘those’ soccer moms that yell at the ref and give directions from the sideline. Sad but true.
I do hate how much of my time is devoted to practices and whatnot, but I love watching them play.

Kylie On Wednesday, April 23 at 1:51 pm

I wasn’t even there and the picture of that boy singing to the little girl gave me tears in my eyes!

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mary s On Wednesday, April 23 at 1:55 pm

I hate soccer too..and all my kids hate soccer…I have a budding rock star, and a competitive jumproper. Just to let you know, I’m still driving all over, and hanging out in gyms. Sometimes, I am carting heavy sound equipment all over town. Saturday’s do not belong to the family…they belong to the team and the band. There’s just no way around it.

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Cathy Goldman On Wednesday, April 23 at 1:57 pm

I loved your insight…..Hey that guy is gorgeous! and I bet he sings well too…..
So if you have lots of time waiting and watching…may I suggest you take up knitting or crocheting so you can do something rather then just sitting there….I find it’s a great time userupper……honest!
The punkettes look so adorable in their outfits…..

Yes, agree soccer suck! Had this rule – if you start something, you have to finish it. I broke that rule when it came to soccer! I begged him to quit! Luckily for all of us, he did. Then another sucky sport came along. Wrestling! SOOOO not a spectator sport! But the only good thing is, its a winter sport so there is nothing better to do…..